Site & Page Tools

Arriving at the Fire and/or Arson Scene: Processing Evidence at the Scene

After documenting the scene, the investigator or other evidence collectors must collect, preserve and store evidence from
the scene. He or she should follow these steps:

Note: This section of the guide is intended for the individual responsible for the investigation of a fire incident. At the time
the scene is determined to involve an arson or other crime, the investigator must address legal requirements for scene access,
search and evidence seizure.

Label each container so that it is uniquely identified. Labeling may include the name of the investigator, date and time of
collection, case number, sample number, description and location of recovery.

Collect and preserve suitable comparison samples but recognize that such samples may be unavailable.

Package evidence in accordance with their laboratories' policies and procedures.

Recognize the presence of other physical evidence, such as bloodstains, shoe prints, latent prints and trace evidence, and use proper preservation and collection methods or seek qualified assistance.

Prevent evidence contamination. The investigator should control access to the fire scene after fire suppression and see that evidence is collected, stored
and transported so that it will not be contaminated.

Evidence collectors should:

Establish and maintain strict control of access to the scene.

Recognize that fuel-powered tools and equipment present potential contamination sources and should be avoided. When collectors
must use these tools and equipment, the investigator should document their use.

Wear clean, protective outergarments, including footwear.

Use clean disposable gloves for collecting items of evidence. (To avoid cross-contamination, gloves should be changed between collecting unrelated items of evidence or when visibly soiled.)

Use clean or disposable tools for collecting items of evidence from different locations within a scene.

Place evidence in clean, unused containers and seal immediately.

Store and ship fire debris evidence containers of evidence collected from different scenes in separate packages.

Package liquid samples to prevent leakage and ship them separately from other evidence.